Abstract: Flexible, collapsible, liquid-tight containers are described. The containers are formed of heat-conductive sheet material and having a pouring or dispensing spout with closure for same. The sheet material is preferably a laminate having at least three layers, including a central, heat-conductive layer, an outer layer of a polymer resistant to physical damage and an inner layer of a thermoplastic polymer which can be fused to another inner layer to seal the edges of the bag. Dispensing fixtures such as a nipple assembly and an esophageal feeder are described, and can be used in feeding calves and other young animals. Processes of heat treating liquids in the containers, including the pasteurizing of dairy products, are described.

Abstract: A device for controlling power comprising a power source input, at least one power contact or outlet, a power control relay, a digital signal input port and a digital signal detector. The device controls power from the power source input to the at least one power contact or outlet by operation of the power control relay. The power control relay opens or closes based on the presence of a digital signal or lack thereof. The detection of the presence of the digital signal or the lack thereof is accomplished by the digital signal detector electrically coupled to the digital signal input port. Detection of a digital signal may be accomplished by using one or more Ethernet signal detectors capable of detecting data transmission or the presence of PoE. Additionally, a method is taught to control power to power consuming devices by using the aforementioned device.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a firearm cartridge clip including a housing that forms a chamber. The firearm cartridge clip has first and second slots laterally disposed on first and second sides of the housing, respectively. First and second tracks are laterally disposed on inner-sides of the first and second sides of the housing respectively. Each of the tracks have a slot that corresponds to either the first slot or the second slot. A platform is disposed on a central axis of the housing and is slideably coupled to the first track and the second track. A grip mechanism is coupled the platform and configured to enable an individual to laterally slide the platform along the first track and the second track. A locking mechanism is coupled to the grip mechanism and is configured to be inserted into a locking mechanism receiver disposed on a distal end of the housing, which holds the platform in place prior to loading the magazine.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments for extending and retracting an extendable spoiler for assisting a motor vehicle in navigating a turn. According to embodiments, an extendable spoiler has a first and second flaps coupled to first and second outer edges of the spoiler respectively. At least one strut is coupled to an underside of the spoiler and to an extension mechanism that can be used to extend and retract the extendable spoiler when various conditions have been met. A steering detection mechanism is also included and configured to detect left and right turn of the motor vehicle and controls which extendable spoilers are moved from a retracted state to an extended state.

Abstract: A hose concealing device adapted to contain and conceal a coiled hose within an inner cavity is described. The inner cavity resides beneath a planting receptacle, which is equipped with drainage means that permits water to drain therefrom, rather than accumulating within the planting receptacle. The drainage means is adapted to collect excess water from the planting receptacle and prevent the water from dripping onto or otherwise contaminating the coiled hose.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a bicycle trailer hitch for use in securing a bicycle trailer to a bicycle. Unlike prior art trailer hitches the transfer of most of the load between a bicycle and an associated bicycle trailer during use does not pass through the bolt/fastener used to couple the bicycle attachment section to the trailer attachment section thereof. Rather, the majority of the load is transferred through a direct connection between the respective sections.

Abstract: An instrument comprising a body, a neck and a plurality of strings. The neck comprises a first end having a headstock, a fretboard, at least one mineral fret coupled to the fretboard, and a second end one of coupled and integrated to the body. The mineral fret may be generally transparent.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a multi-directional momentum-change sensor, adaptable to a variety of practical applications, including, but not limited to, its use as a collision-detector for automatic passenger-safety airbag deployment systems in a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the sensor is an electro-mechanical switch having a pivotable boom assembly that is responsive to sudden changes to forward and lateral momentum that exceeds a predetermined threshold. The pivotable boom assembly is able to close electrical circuits to external circuitry that pertain to the position of the boom member in order to allow for the sensing of collisions along different vectors and facilitate safety responses, such as the deployment of automobile passenger-safety airbags.

Abstract: Devices and methods for temporarily replacing a window are disclosed herein. An exemplary temporary window replacement apparatus includes a plurality of angled frame members, a plurality of elongated frame members, and a plastic film. Typically, at least one of the angled frame members can change angles within a given plane. Additionally, at least one of the elongated frame members typically can adjusted lengthwise along a longitudinal axis to connect with the ends of two angled frame members. The end of each angled frame member typically can be connected and removed from the end of each elongated frame member. Moreover, some of the frame members have attached stability flange to aid in securing the temporary window apparatus to an automobile window frame. Methods of temporarily replacing a window include constructing a temporary window frame with a heat-shrinkable plastic film and then applying heat thereto.

Abstract: The present invention includes an exercise apparatus adapted to exercise a user's gluteus muscles. The exercise apparatus and method of use allow the user to focus on and exercise gluteus muscles with specificity. Embodiments of the exercise apparatus include an upper body support, a foot support, and an exercise space. The exercise space is typically disposed substantially between an upper body support and a foot support, and permits substantial movement of a user's hips in both a forward direction and a rearward direction, substantially in or parallel to a user's sagittal plane. The exercise apparatus is adapted to load a user's gluteus muscles throughout a generally large range of gluteus muscle flexion and extension.

Abstract: An ergonomically enhanced electric power tool is disclosed that incorporates a new type of user grip and control system. This grip and control system is housed in a substantially rigid control-housing sheath, which provides enhanced leverage and control over the drilling process while reducing stress on the user's hand, wrist, and arm. The tool motor is disposed substantially in parallel with the user's wrist, but on a different plane, and eliminates the traditional “pistol” type of power-tool grip. The control-housing sheath contains a grip-controller assembly that allows the user to control most major drill operations within the gauntlet-like control-housing sheath. The inventive concepts described can be applied to myriad hand-held power tools, and a detailed example for a power drill is provided.

Abstract: An implement holder adapted to hold implements having slender, elongate handles is described. Embodiments of the implement holder comprise resilient foam in which slots for holding slender implements reside. Various embodiments are adapted to hold dental instruments, percussion implements such as drumsticks, mallets, and brushes, and artist implements such as pens, pencils, and paint brushes.

Abstract: Described herein is a mounting plate having a plurality of exterior edges. Each edge of the mounting plate has a mounting interface. Between each of the exterior edges is a flattened corner. Each of the planar corners has a pole mount disposed therein. The mounting plate also has a plurality of interior projections, each of the plurality of interior projections being disposed on an inner side of each of the planar corners. At least one of the plurality of interior projections has a stand mount disposed therein and at least a second one of the plurality of interior projections has an umbrella mount disposed therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides in combination, an intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism for a musical string instrument with a fingerboard where the combination intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism includes a string-nut fulcrum and a string-locking means, where each string-nut fulcrum may have a varying linear position in relation to each individual string in order to provide the optimum compensation amount for improving the consistency and production of in-tune musical notes during play for musical string instruments with fingerboards. Also disclosed are methods of use of various embodiments for the intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism.

Abstract: A small multi-tool device designed to aid the performance of length measurements using measuring-tape devices is disclosed. In a typical embodiment, the multi-tool device is comprised of two substantially parallel planar support surfaces, coupled to each other at one edge, and with holes strategically disposed through the surfaces to facilitate the insertion of elongated and rigid members that lay on or otherwise engage parts of the target structure to be measured. The multi-tool device is designed to facilitate hypotenuse measurements, as well as measurements on structures where the edge to serve as an anchor point is rough, rounded, or non-existent. Further, the multi-tool device can also serve to act as a clip/clamp for various documents or the tops of bags of goods.

Abstract: A personal signal device for automatically displaying one of a plurality of patterns automatically based on the orientation of the device, such as is useful in the direction of vehicular traffic, is described. The device typically comprises a plurality of lights, often high intensity LEDs, an orientation sensor and a controller that illuminates a portion of the LEDs depending upon the orientation information provided by the sensor. The device can be adapted to couple to a user's arm or hand such as being coupled with a glove.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing structures having a continuous sidewall includes a stationary inner work station having at least one working level and a stationary outer work station having at least one working level. The outer work station surrounds the inner work station. A shaft is disposed between the inner work station and the outer work. A lift or hoist is provided for raising and lowering a work piece in the shaft as work progresses.

Abstract: An improved retractable court standard is described. The retractable court standard typically comprises a plurality of elongated tubular sections and an elongated top section. Each of the elongated tubular sections has a top end and a bottom end, and different dimension. Additionally, the elongated top section typically has a top end and a bottom end, and a net securing assembly coupled proximal the top end. At least one elongated tubular section is slidably and rotatably disposed within another circumferentially adjacent elongated tubular section. Importantly, the at least one elongated tubular section has one of at least one rotational locking channel and at least one securing pin. The circumferentially adjacent elongated tubular section has the other of the at least one rotational locking channel and the at least one securing pin. Methods of extending, retracting, and storing the improved retractable court standard are also described.